Chapter 1 - Social Dimension of S&T Flashcards
In this topic: - Overview - Three Perspectives in the Analysis of Society and Culture (Sociology) - Specific Views on the Relationship between S&T and Society
Study about the universe; Refers to the body of knowledge utilized to understand the world.
Science
A product of science; The process of harnessing resources to respond to society’s needs.
Technology
Refers to an autonomous group of people; Interacting with others (distinct geographic territory); Sharing a common culture.
Society
The way of thinking and material objects form the people’s way of life.
Culture
How people manage to utilize their resources; To meet people’s needs; Physical Environment.
Diversity of Culture
Aspects of Culture: (2)
- Material Culture
- Nonmaterial Culture
Concrete and tangible things that people create and attach meaning; Houses, Transportation, Goods, etc.
Material Culture
Abstract and intangible objects; Habit, Traditions, Customs, Beliefs, etc.
Nonmaterial Culture
Technology is — —– to modern technology.
Not Equal
Interdisciplinary field that studies the conditions under which the production, distribution, and utilization of scientific knowledge and technological systems occur; The consequences of these activities upon different groups of people.
Science, Technology, and Society (STS)
Perspectives in the Analysis of Society and Culture (Sociology): (3)
- Symbolic Interactionist
- Structural Functionalist
- Conflict Analysis
Society - Made up of individuals who interact with each other using symbols with corresponding meanings.
Social Problems - Caused by different symbols and their meanings.
Ex:
- Symbols have meanings for people in society based on their respective cultures. (E.g., Wood turns into a cross, making it sacred.)
- Own perspective of reality; Own way of understanding or perceiving things.
Symbolic Interactionist
Society - Made up of interrelated systems/institutions with corresponding functions.
Social Problems - Caused by a dysfunction in one of the systems which affect all other systems.
Structure -> Order -> Stability
Structural Functionalist
Society - Made up of conflicting groups with unequal levels of power, wealth, and prestige.
Social Problems - Caused by the exploitation of the inferior group by the dominant group.
Ex.
- Views property as a result of exploitation of the lower class (workers) by the powerful class (capitalists).
Power -> Abuse -> Controlling Order
Conflict Analysis
Specific Views on the Relationship Between S&T and Society: (3)
- Technological Somnambulism
- Technological Determinism
- Social Construction of Technology